Device management: Enhancing logistics efficiency through innovative solutions
Identification and reporting of energy consumption per customer to meet requirements set by the European Union and own sustainability initiatives.
- Identification of all energy consumers
- Division of costs per customer parcel
- Increase efficiency by effortless device management
- Integration of remote Application Updates
Together, we’ll evaluate your requirements and discuss how to implement energy management digitization using our analysis tools.
About the project
A global logistics real estate leader, that focuses on developing, leasing, and managing efficient and sustainable logistics and distribution centers supports clients in optimizing their supply chains. Well-known customers utilize specific plots within the company’s locations to enhance their delivery capabilities, allowing for quicker customer fulfillment.
The logistics provider operates a large number of devices across several sites and needed a reliable way to keep them consistently up to date. Manual updates on individual devices caused delays, required on‑site work, and made it difficult to maintain a uniform software state across the fleet.
Project goals
Due to its global component of the project, the need for a remote device management and application update was given.
- Reduce on‑site effort for Application Updates
- Ensure consistent update levels across all devices and locations
- Improve transparency of update status and version history
- Stabilize daily operations by avoiding uncoordinated or outdated installations
Key benefits
- Central rollout of Application Updates
- Batch updates for multiple devices in one workflow
- No direct PC or VPN connection required
- Clear visibility into update status and history
- Less manual work and fewer interruptions in operations
Clients challenges
- High number of distributed devices with varying update states
- Time‑consuming individual updates on site
- Limited transparency about which devices were up to date
- Risk of inconsistent software versions affecting operations
Here the Application Update cuts update time by up to 70%, saving over 150 working hours across 250 devices.
Technical hardware setup in the logistics center
Technical Implementation with Phoenix Contact hardware
The project was implemented by using a Data Collection Box for signal recording and measurements, alongside a PLCnext Control with IIoT framework. Configuration occurred through web-based management. The Secure Edge Box facilitated data forwarding to higher-level and established cloud systems. The project involved engineering services, PLCnext Technology, TC Router, EMpro energy measuring devices, connectivity products and power supplies by Phoenix Contact. The PLCnext controller with EMpros energy meters recorded energy consumption, sending data to the cloud.
Over 250 devices were registered. PLCnext Technology enabled centralized data collection from energy meters to cloud interfaces. TC Routers sent data to various cloud instances, providing secure remote access for maintenance. Phoenix Contact Engineering Services offer pre- and post-commissioning support, including acceptance testing and technical services.
Maximize value with Smart Services
The Smart Services of Proficloud.io added the needed digitalization component of the project.
Managing high volumes of devices simultaneously
The customer needed a reliable way to keep a large number of devices across several logistics sites up to date. Manual updates on individual devices were time‑consuming and difficult to coordinate.
With the DMS Advanced Add-on, updates can now be rolled out centrally and in a structured process. Firmware and application updates no longer require on‑site work, and the team gains a clear view of update status and version history across all devices. This makes it easier to keep the entire fleet aligned and reduces interruptions in daily operations.
View into the Dashboard of the project
Saving up to 70 % of time for Application Updates
Applications (in the Phoenix Contact cosmos) are exports from PLCnext Engineer that can be installed and executed on PLCnext devices. Normally, controllers (e.g., AXC F 2152) must be connected directly to a PC or via VPN. With the Application Update in the DMS Advanced Add-on, these applications can now be transferred remotely — including batch updates for multiple devices at once. A direct connection to the PC or a VPN is no longer required.
Overcoming challenges
Collaborative efforts improve application update process
Working closely together with all parties, the team was able to work out how the Application Update works best. One thing to consider was the PLCnext Engineer version with which the project file was created. There were several attempts to find a solution and during a productive meeting with everyone involved in the process a solution on how to create the right version was found.
The platform Proficloud.io was initially unable to interpret the file correctly and partially aborted the update process. During the process the update process was solidified and made more stable. The Application Update of the Device Management Service has become more reliable as a result.
In addition, the platform now saves the timestamp of an individual step, which increases transparency and makes debugging easier.
Further information
Hi, my name is Florian Jacob and I am glad to help you out!
Please do not hesitate to contact me. Also, if you have any suggestions or comments, just send us a message to inbox[at]phoenixcontact-sb.io and we will answer as soon as possible.